Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
MERCER, WIS., residents involved with the town's Candy Cane Christmas celebration gather recently in Mercer. Pictured are, from left, first row: Candy Cane chairmen and organizers Betty Snyder, Ellen Kerwin and Kathy Hanneman; second row: Mini Mint Sophie Knutson, Candy Cane Princess Molly Hohner, Candy Cane Queen Kassie Wiedower and Mini Mint Makenna Allen.
MERCER, Wis. - Mercer will hold its Candy Cane Community Christmas Celebration Saturday, Dec. 7.
The Candy Cane Parade will begin at 5 p.m. and travel through Mercer's downtown. Parade line-up is at 4:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park, across from the Mercer Chamber of Commerce.
"Parade organizers spurred participation with a lighted float competition, and word out is that entries are amazing," Mercer resident Deanna Pierpont said.
Before the parade, the Mercer School Chorale Group and Bill Earl will sing Christmas carols during a tree lighting and wreathing of Claire d'Loon at the Chamber.
New to the celebration this year is a baking contest accepting cookies, candy, bars and cupcakes. Public tasting and voting will be held at the Mercer Public Library following the parade. Wilma Bingham and Sharon Drawz will host the contest.
Santa Claus will visit the Mercer Community Center at 6 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free cookies and refreshments while children visit with Santa. Mini Mints Sophie Knutson and Makenna Allen, students at the Mercer School, will pass out gifts during Santa's visit.
The Candy Cane Committee is offering a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds going toward Christmas decorations.
Candy Cane royalty was announced at the Mercer Public School recently. Kassie Wiedower, a senior, is Candy Cane Queen, while fifth grader Molly Hohner will serve as Candy Cane Princess. The pair will reign over Saturday's activities.
The celebration is a collaboration of the Candy Cane Committee, the Mercer Area Historical Society, Mercer Loons Motorcycle Club, Mercer Public School, Mercer Chamber of Commerce, the town of Mercer, the Mercer Lioness Club and other local volunteers. All are welcome.
